Update – Report: PopCap staff struck by layoffs

Update: PopCap confirms layoffs as it evaluates Dublin closure

EA has laid off a number of staff at casual games developer PopCap, according to a report.

A source “familiar with the matter” told VG247 that a number of employees had been quietly let go for the past several months.

The new comes after Duke Nukem creator George Broussard suggested yesterday on Twitter that there had been a shakeup at the developer, with a number of layoffs imminent.

“I think PopCap will struggle to be successful in an EA world that demands more products, squeezing IP dry and less dev time,” he said.

PopCap said it does not comment on rumour or speculation when contacted by Develop on the matter.

EA acquired the casual games developer last July in a deal worth $750 million.

The publishing giant’s CEO John Riccitiello said he hoped the deal would help drive EA towards being a $1 billion digital business.